CASA for Children Seeks Volunteer Advocates in Atlantic and Cape May Counties

COURT HOUSE – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of Atlantic and Cape May Counties is now accepting applications for a multi-session, volunteer advocate training that begins in April 2018. Over 400 children are waiting for a volunteer to advocate on their behalf to ensure they receive the best care while living in the child welfare system. Individuals interested in learning more should attend an Information Session held on the first Tuesday of each month at the CASA office at 321 Shore Road in Somers Point, N.J. or contact Debbie Giacomoni at (609) 601-7800 or Debbie@AtlanticCapeCASA.org for additional dates. An online volunteer inquiry is also available at AtlanticCapeCASA.org.
CASA for Children’s mission to speak on behalf of abused and neglected children iscentral to fulfilling society’s most fundamental obligation to protect a child’s right to be safe, treated with respect and to help them reach their fullest potential. Right now, over 200 volunteers in Atlantic and Cape May Counties advocate on behalf of 625 children and youth, from infants to young adults. “The CASA volunteer experience is unique, and can be fulfilled by anyone willing to help a child in need. In fact, volunteering for CASA and helping break the cycle of abuse and neglect is one of the most rewarding accomplishments a person could experience,” said CASA Volunteer Nancy.
“Currently, CASA has the volunteer capacity to serve about 60 percent of the 1,049 children living in foster care in Atlantic and Cape May Counties leaving nearly 400 children without a trusted advocate. Additional volunteers are critical to ensuring that every child who needs an advocate has access to one,” said CASA Director of Community Development Karen DeRosa. “Volunteers are trained and supported throughout the entire process so they do not need any special skills. A CASA volunteer makes sure that each child has access to services and resources while they are not living with their family. By visiting with the child and others, the advocate makes objective recommendations to the Family Court regarding the entire well-being of the child and helps facilitate a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.”
A training starts in April 2018, please contact CASA at (609) 601-7800 or visit AtlanticCapeCASA.org for more information.